Expanding London’s technology base, Google is opening a digital skills academy within central London.
The building will equate to a 40,000 square foot space, dedicated to educating and providing opportunities for everyone to expand their digital skills. The opening of the new academy comes as Google is set to open its new headquarters in London, providing up to 3000 new jobs by 2020.
One of the highlights of London Tech week includes the new academy opening its doors to host the ‘LeadersIn Tech Summit’. The two day event will bring together leading policy makers, entrepreneurs, and tech leaders, with speakers including Sir Martin Sorrell, Eileen Burbidge MBE, and Google UK MD Ronan Harris.
The Academy will also offer a ‘Get Started in Tech’ course, run by the Prince’s Trust. The programme will train participants to create a brand story using various video and technology applications.
The expansion supports recent comments made by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who stated that ‘London’s tech sector is thriving’, and ‘leading technologies will allow it to transform into the World’s leading smart city’.
Read more: London Tech Week: London could be smartest city in the world, says Sadiq Khan
Google claims that it is important to recognise London as a growing technological hub that encourages and fosters the importance of digital talent and capability across professional platforms. The academy will provide a wide range of educational experiences to everyone, with support from Google employees and industry experts.
Ronan Harris, Google UK MD, said: “London’s ambition to grow, harness new technologies, and build the brightest and best companies has been a constant over the last decade.
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“When the tech community with industries ranging from fashion and music to automotives and AI have worked in partnership with government, the Mayor’s office and passionate communities supporting start-ups and scale-ups, new jobs have been created and London has shown it can lead the way in a competitive global environment.”
The new refurbishment will include a range of retro Brighton themes, including an electric cinema, beach, and funfair styled theme auditoriums, as well as Cloud space that provides access to the latest workshops regarding technology such as Jamboards.
Google claims it will produce practical training specifically tailored to a range of people from the younger generation through to CEO’S. Therefore, providing a means for individuals to expand, network, and produce using different platforms in a transforming digital environment.
Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor for Business, said: “London Tech Week is shining a light on this incredibly important sector of our economy.
“The capital is already home to some of the best tech and creative minds in the world but we must continue to ensure that our city’s workforce has the right skills to meet the jobs of tomorrow.
“I am pleased that Google is helping to make digital training and educational programmes available to people from all backgrounds.
“Schemes like this perfectly compliment the Mayor’s Digital Talent Programme that will nurture the next generation of digital enthusiasts so we can continue to provide all businesses in London with much-needed home-grown digital talent.”
